MOVIES

LUNCH COUNTER

When Jeff Tweedy decides to make a record, people make it a point to listen.

Over the last 13 years, his work with Wilco has resulted in two Grammy Awards due in no small way to the unyielding critical acclaim the band has received throughout the years. That said, the band has had almost as many lineup changes as they have albums — six different band configurations and seven albums. Unfortunately, the commercial success of Wilco has never quite matched the band's critical acclaim and fan appeal.

As I write this column this week, I am sitting on a flight on the way to Manhattan.

There are certain things about an artist that I take into account when deciding just how real an "artist" the individual or group might be.

The way an act sounds live is a biggie for me.

Almost anyone can put out a great sounding album if they surround themselves with enough studio magic and talented engineers, but once you're out on that stage in front of a crowd, it's all you, and you'd better have your act together. In keeping with that same idea, I give a lot of props to an act that doesn't play the diva card.

I am one housesitting job away from selling my own place. I'm not kidding. I've got gigs lined up so far in advance, I might not sleep in my own bed until next October. (My wife argues that, "this might have happened anyway.")

Now for those of you out there going, "But Bryce, housesitting is a pain. I'd rather just stay at my own place," shame on you.

You can trace a lot things to the band Television. A group that made it's mark in the 1970s

Things like the beginnings of punk rock and new wave. Things like the idea for the Sex Pistols and the first rock band to play at CBGB, where it even helped build the venue's first stage.